photo from Flock Safety
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO) – A Minnesota House committee is blocking a bill that would tighten regulations on automated license plate readers.
Shakopee Democratic Representative Brad Tabke authored the legislation saying it was designed to balance law enforcement access while protecting drivers’ private information.
“To make sure that we are able to continue with law enforcement, to make sure that law enforcement is able to access license plate data as necessary to solve crimes and for investigatory purposes, but also that we are protecting Minnesotans’ private data,” Tabke said.
Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association Executive Director Jeff Potts reacted to the bill saying, “The cost that this bill carries for small agencies is likely going to eliminate that technology in those agencies. I think there may be other ways to accomplish what the author wants to accomplish. I think the vendors are keenly aware of concerns, privacy concerns.”
The bill would require law enforcement agencies to keep detailed audit trails of when plate data is entered, accessed, shared or disseminated.
“We have seen some small agencies acquire this technology. While it may be a little bit cheaper than it was a few years ago, the $2,500 a year audit will make that impossible for them to continue. That is a large expense, particularly for a small agency,” explained Potts.
The bill failed in a House committee on a 7-7 party line vote.
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